I am very pleased to announce that Rockin’ and Readin’ at the Library is back!! I started the program last year with my colleague and friend, Amber Ewers. The program will begin running in December and we will be providing music therapy sessions at various library branches throughout Miami-Dade County. Yahoo! The sessions will focus on early literacy skills, communication skills, and making social connections with other children. Here is the description that will be posted and you can see for yourself all the fun we will have…

Rockin’ and Readin’ at the Library

Join board-certified music therapist Amy Kalas as she leads an energetic and fun music group for babies  and toddlers. Sessions are FREE of charge and parents and caregivers are encouraged to join in the fun! Throughout the session, babies and toddlers will be moving and grooving to music, playing instruments, waving scarves, and participating in song stories using books from the library. These age- and -stage-appropriate musical experiences are designed to work on motor skills, facilitate communication, encourage socialization, and develop early literacy skills. Mark your calendars and we look forward to seeing you there!

Amy Kalas will facilitate the following sessions:

Saturday, December 3 – 11am~ Pinecrest Branch
Preschool (ages 3 – 5)

Saturday, December 3 – NEW time! 12:30pm ~ Coral Reef Branch
Preschool (ages 3 – 5)

Wednesday, December 7 – 6pm ~ South Miami Branch
Baby (ages 0 – 19 months)

Saturday, December 10 – 11am ~ Arcola Lakes Branch
Preschool (ages 3 – 5)

Saturday, January 14 – 11am ~ North Central Branch
Toddlers (age 19 months – 3 years)

Saturday January 14 – 2pm ~ Miami Springs Branch
Toddlers (age 19 months – 3 years)

Saturday, January 21 – 11am ~ Arcola Lakes Branch
Preschool (ages 3 – 5)

Amber Ewers will facilitate the following sessions:

Wednesday, December 14 – 6:30pm ~ Doral Branch
Toddlers (age 19  months – 3 years)

Saturday, December 17 – 11am ~ Kendall Branch  
Preschool (ages 3 – 5)

 * As a side note for my music therapy colleagues and friends out there – to start this program, I simply called up the Programming Director of the Miami-Dade County Library System and explained to her the idea of offering music therapy sessions for children in the library. If I did it, so can you! Why not call your local library and see if they are interested in starting a similar program? Here are some tips…Rockin’ and Readin’ PLUS.

 Related posts: Book ‘n Song: “Ten Little Fingers”